Trail of Tears State Forest

Welcome to the Trail of Tears State Forest located in one of the most rugged sections of the State of Illinois in the southern section of the Ozark Hills in Union County near Jonesboro.

Forest History: Before the arrival of European settlers this land was home to many Native Americans who lived close to the forest's rivers and mined Chert at Iron Mountain in order to make their tools. After the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century the Native Americans were pushed to the south and west and some were even forced out to Oklahoma by the Army. This is how the forest got it's name. In 1929, the State of Illinois purchased the first 3,000 acres of what was first known as the Kohn-Jackson State Forest and later the Union State Forest before it got the name it has today.

Wildlife: Trail of Tears State Forest helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, screech owls, and red tailed hawks. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this forest boasts miles of multipurpose trails, several campsites, and two large picnic shelters. Come on out and explore!